Present arts center plan to the public

For the last few years a group of Naperville residents have worked hard to bring a large, state of the art performing arts center to Naperville. However, the path Omnia Performing Arts has taken in its efforts to make this a reality has been a curious one. Rather than making their case to the largest possible number of Naperville residents, they have instead chosen to make elaborate and detailed presentations to local business groups, and more controversially, to members of the city council individually. When news of this leaked out last fall, Omnia leaders were notably tight-lipped with residents and the press. Council took note, and Councilman Krause publicly called for Omnia to present their plan to the residents.

That was to happen Monday, July 21 night in council chambers. Unfortunately, late the Friday before, a news release was issued by Omnia stating they had canceled the meeting for reasons that are, at best, unclear.

If I may offer Omnia some help here, let me say that when you have a visionary proposal that requires an extreme amount of buy-in from this city's residents and government, it is essential that you do everything in your power to make your case as fully and as persuasively as possible, to everyone. If you believe in your dream, then be proud of it, and share it with all of us. You are only damaging yourselves by your unwillingness to make your case with the residents.

Thom Higgins

Naperville